The Department for Education (DfE) revealed how it intends to remove Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) from all schools across the country – including two of them in Trafford.
The department said 234 schools across the country are affected by the announcement today (February 8) of which around half of them are to have one or more buildings rebuilt or refurbished.
In Trafford, there are two schools on the list – Altrincham College and Sale Grammar – both of which appeared on the list when RAAC hit the headlines for the first time at the start of the academic year and both of which remained open to students for full-time, face-to-face education.
Altrincham College and Sale Grammar are academy-run schools and no council-run schools in the area are affected by the announcement.
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Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: "Nothing is more important to me than the safety of every child and member of staff in schools. We will continue to work closely with schools, colleges and local authorities as we take the next step to remove RAAC from affected buildings.
"I want to thank all schools, colleges and local authorities who have worked tirelessly with the department to ensure all children remain in face-to-face education."
Across England around half of the schools are to be supported via the School Rebuilding Programme. They are to have one or more buildings rebuilt or refurbished because their issues with RAAC are more major.
Altrincham College and Sale Grammar are to be supported via funding in the form of a government grant. They are to remove RAAC without rebuilding or refurbishing because their issues with RAAC are more minor.
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A DfE spokesperson said: "Our priority will always be to ensure the safety of pupils and staff, which is why we took a cautious approach for schools and colleges.
"Although the technical advice does not recommend removal in all cases where it is present, we have taken a precautionary approach for the education estate in England to remove RAAC."
This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.
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